This week, I issued a Consumer Alert to warn Floridians about scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recently, a malicious website displaying a live map of COVID-19 cases mimicking a legitimate map by Johns Hopkins University was reported. Clicking on the website releases malware that can access and steal sensitive user data. It is suspected that this website has spread across the internet through infected email attachments and online advertisements.

As this health epidemic continues, scammers will increasingly target consumers to exploit their concerns about COVID-19 in an attempt to defraud individuals and businesses.

They will use any occasion to prey on the emotions of unsuspecting consumers, and fear is a favorite tool of criminals trying to commit fraud. Please exercise caution when searching the internet for COVID-19 information and do not click on suspicious links or attachments.

Some ways you can avoid COVID-19-related scams include:

• If malware is suspected, do not shop online, access online banking or do other activities that involve sensitive information like usernames, passwords, or account information until it has been checked out;
• If malware or other issues are suspected, seek technical support from a trusted provider;
• Install and update security software regularly; and
• Know that online searches may not be the best way to seek tech support. Tech support scammers may pay to boost rankings in online search results. Instead, seek personal recommendations or consider visiting an electronics store for assistance.

I encourage consumers suspicious of price gouging to report it by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or by visiting MyFloridaLegal.com. Price gouging can also be reported to the Attorney General’s Office by downloading the free NO SCAM app in the Android or Apple app store. For tips on reporting price gouging, click here.

For a list of the commodities covered under the state’s price gouging laws during the COVID-19 state of emergency, click here.

Please stay safe, listen to health experts and take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.